Plan a Trip to Africa for 2025 in 13 Easy Steps

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Are you’re planning a trip to Africa, and not sure where to start?

Travel planning can seem a little overwhelming, especially true if it’s your first trip to Africa. Flights, inoculations, what to pack, what to do about cell service and mobile coverage. There’s a lot to think about. You need a travelling to Africa checklist!

If this sounds like you, I’m glad you’re here! I travel to Africa every chance I get, and over the years I’ve gotten planning my vacation to Africa down to a science. Here I’ve broken the process into steps. Start at the beginning, and by the end, you’re on your way!

In this guide, I’ll provide Africa travel tips and insights to help you have a memorable and stress-free experience.

Dive in to this Africa trip planner, start planning, and your confidence will grow as your trip starts to come together.

Planning a Trip to Africa

1. What part of Africa should I go to?

Africa has something to offer every traveller. Each country on this enormous continent is its own unique and fascinating world.

When taking a trip to Africa, choosing between 54 African countries may seem like an impossible task. But it’s just a matter of having an idea of what sorts of things you want to see and do while you’re there.

Think about how much time you have, and what your priorities are. Also take into account your budget. As you research safaris, accommodations, etc, you’ll see that certain things are more expensive in one country, while they might cost less in another.

Here are just a few of the choices you have [Clicking on the red text below will take you to a page that will give you more information on that topic]:

➣ South Africa

Planning a trip to South Africa will give you incredible opportunities for stunning wildlife viewing. As well, there beautiful cites and beaches, including the favourite, Penguin Beach. Yes, there are wild penguins in South Africa!

➣ Botswana

Botswana is home to the famous Okavango Delta, Chobe and other national parks, as well as the Kalahari Desert. You’ll find some of the top tours in this article.

For example, you might opt for a safari experience that takes you to Chobe, and Moremi Park in the Delta. It ends in spectacular Victoria Falls!

➣ Kenya

Kenya might be on your bucket list, too. It’s the home to the northern part of the Great Wildebeest Migration. And it’s got so much more than wildlife!

➣ Tanzania

Or maybe you have your eye on Tanzania. The Serengeti in Tanzania is where the Great Wildebeest Migration begins. It’s also home to Mount Kilimanjaro if you’re up for some trekking. And there are a lot of lesser-known spots with outstanding wildlife.

➣ Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in either of these countries is an epic, bucket-list experience! In fact, Rwanda was one place chosen as a Time Magazine “Top 50 Global Vacation Destination” just for the gorillas.

➣ Senegal

If I were to describe Senegal with one word, it would be teranga. The word teranga means hospitality in the primary local language of Wolof. But in the daily life of the Senegalese terenga more, it is the foundation of who they are.

Experience Senegalese teranga as well as well as the urban lifestyles, the wildlife, and the beach culture.

➣ Morocco

Morocco is an exotic, exciting country, full of history and mystery. Camp out in the desert, wander through the souks, or learn to surf. There are endless ways to get to know this North African country.

Do you want an organized safari or a self-drive one? There are actually several different types of safaris, including:

• luxury safari
• mobile tented camping safari
• walking safari
• overland safari
• hot air balloon safari
• horseback safari

A camping safari is my absolute favourite way to go, and one I highly recommend. There is no better way to get the feel of the African bush than this – especially if you get to sleep under the stars.

➣ If you’re more interested in the metropolitan side of Africa. The south has Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Gabarone to name a few.

Each of these cities is incredibly unique and full of amazing stuff to see.

➣ And north of the equator is full of its own magic – Egypt, Morocco, and everything in between. Exotic sights galore. Seriously.

From scuba diving to skiing and camel rides to exploring the markets. Northern Africa can checks a few things off your bucket list.

✔️ What If It’s My First Time in Africa?

Deciding where you’d like your first African adventure to be can be tough. There are 54 countries, plus the odd area that’s in limbo, not yet a country. Those are a lot of choices.

Travelling Africa as a beginner is amazing. It can be intimidating, though, when it’s new.

The only man I envy is the man who has not yet been to Africa – for he has so much to look forward to.

– Richard Mullin

I absolutely agree with this quote. But, I can’t say that I enjoy Africa any less when I visit now, after having travelled there several times. Every visit feels like the first one.

Namibia

I often recommend Namibia to first-timers who are travelling independently. It’s safe, stunning, and full of adventures. Explore from Fish River Canyon in the south to Etosha and the Caprivi Strip in the north.

It’s also my favourite spot in Africa for a road trip. It has wide open, uncrowded roads, great infrastructure, and lots of places to stop and be amazed.

In addition, Namibia has wildlife, wilderness, history, and a lot more. The capital city of Windhoek, for example, can provide some nightlife, urban shopping, and great food.

Try a Tour

Many people enjoy an organized tour their first time in Africa, instead of travelling independently. When your accommodation and transportation are provided for you, park fees are paid, it’s easy to relax and enjoy your first trip to Africa.

Or you can just book a short trip – a few days or a week. Get a feel for being here. Then strike out on your own with confidence. Here are a few spectacular tours to consider:

✔️ Kenya’s Samburu, Mara, and Seychelles’ Island

See lions and leopards as well as the rest of the Big 5 in the hidden gem, the Samburu National Reserve. Meet Maasai warriors, take a hot air balloon ride, and adopt an elephant! This could be the best 15 days of your life.

✔️ Stunning 8-Day Tour of Egypt

Wander through Cairo, see the pyramids, and take an incredible cruise on the River Nile. End your trip with some time in the beautiful city of Hurghada.

✔️ East Africa Migration Safari

Spend 10 days seeing the best of East Africa. Visit the famous Ngorongoro, Maasai Mara, and Serengeti parks. Experience the year-round spectacle of the wildebeest migration – the Greatest Show on Earth!

✔️ Private Camping Safari in Botswana and Zimbabwe

An 11-day private guided safari through the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park and into Zimbabwe. Enjoy seeing the wildlife from the water in a mokoro and on a river cruise, as well as on twice daily game drives.

Travel Fact: “Safari” is a Swahili word meaning “journey”. Swahili and English are the official languages of Tanzania.

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 2. Visit a Travel Clinic

If you have a good travel clinic that you can visit, they’ll know what you need. If you don’t, you may have to do your own research, and take the information you find to your doctor.

It’s important to consider what vaccinations you need to get before you go:

➣ Yellow fever is required in some countries. Find out on this government website if you need it for your destination in Africa.

➣ Any other vaccinations you might need depends on where you’re coming from and where you’re going. Google your destination country(s); your government should have a website that can help.

➣ And of course, you may need a malarial preventative.

I’m not qualified in the slightest to dole out medical advice to you. I can only advise you to make sure your bases are covered by doing your research.

Then together you and your doctor can sort out what you need.

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3. Decide on the Best Time for Your Trip

You’ll need to decide what time of year you want to take your trip to Africa. Consider the weather at your destination.

Africa lies on both sides of the equator. In the southern hemisphere, seasons are the opposite of those in the north.

Many people think that Africa as a whole is perpetually hot. However, northern and southern countries do get a bit chilly during their respective winters.

Some even experience snow, so plan your trip accordingly!

Africa has so much to offer visitors all year. But the weather is an important consideration during the planning process of any trip.

Peak Season

➣ Peak season for wildlife viewing southern Africa tends to be in the winter, or the dry season. This falls very roughly between June and August below the equator.

The best East Africa safari weather is from July to November. Again, this is dry season.

Animals tend to be easier to spot during the dry season. This is due to there being fewer water holes for them to gather at, and less foliage to get in the way.

However, this is also a busier time for tourists. You may find yourself at an amazing leopard, for example, along with several other safari vehicles.

Be sure to make your plans well in advance if you decide to travel during peak season. Safari trips, accommodations, and other activities book up early.

Off-Season

➣ I like to plan my trips to Africa for the off-season, when there are fewer people travelling to my destinations. I still see an extraordinary number of animals, with far fewer Land Cruisers in the way.

Off-season includes the months roughly between March and June, and October through December in East Africa. Southern Africa off-season is around November through April.

Shoulder Season

➣ Shoulder season, aka spring and fall, is another great option. Again, the timing depends on what country you’re in. In very broad terms, September and October, as well as April and May, can be the best of both worlds.

Crowds are smaller than in peak season, tours and accommodation tend to be cheaper, and wildlife is plentiful.

4. Decide on the Length of Your Trip

How long should you plan to be in Africa? For those of us from the Western hemisphere, it’s a long journey to get to any African destination.

Most of us tend to stay a bit longer to balance out that that long journey.

When deciding on the length of your trip, consider the practicalities. You’ll need someone to look after any pets, plants, gardens, etc.

But in general, how long you plan to be gone will depend on what you want to do and see. And there is no end to the sights, activities, and destinations.

There really is a never-ending list of things to see and do on this enormous, fascinating continent.

So, honestly, the longer the better. If you plan to take an organized tour, they can be found for anywhere from a half day to a few months.

Keep in mind that organized trips can be expensive, but there are options in all price ranges.

Shop around to get an idea of what they cost and find a company that fits your budget and your dreams. Then read the reviews to be sure it’s what you’re looking for.

Go2Africa is an excellent option for your dream African safari. Not only do they provide excellent guides, and everything you need. They will also work with you to create the perfect itinerary for especially for you.

Viator is another terrific choice. Look through their extensive selection of tours. From day excursions to multi-day trips, Viator offers some fantastic African experiences.

🧳 Book your trip with the companies that I know and trust:
☑︎ Accommodations – Expedia for the best selection​
​☑︎ Flights – I love WayAway, and you can get 10% off with this link​
​☑︎ Travel Insurance – I use SafetyWing. Never skip travel insurance!
​☑︎ Tours/experiences – Viator is my favourite​
​☑︎ Car rental – Discover Cars searches international & local rental companies to find what you need

5. Research Visa Requirements

How long you can stay at your destination may also depend on the length of the visa that is available. Research whether you’ll need a visa to enter the country(s) you plan to visit.

Your need for one depends mainly on what country issued your passport and how long you plan to stay. The easiest way to find out if you need a visa for the country or countries you plan to visit is to Google exactly that.

The duration of your visa will affect the length of time you can stay in a country. For example, a visa for Tanzania is generally valid for 30 days.

6. What To Take to Africa With You

There are some bare essentials you should remember to pack:

• Insect repellent! Also be aware that dark and bright colours will attract mosquitoes.
• Sun protection. Don’t be a hero.
• Well-broken-in, comfortable shoes. Find what you need in The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Shoes for Safari
• A light. Most prefer a headlamp, but you might like a flashlight or very small lantern.
• A reusable water bottle. A Grayl water purifier bottle makes it easy by filtering water from any source. Or read up on water purification tablets and see if they might be right for your trip.
• A good camera – it’s up to you if you think your phone’s camera will do the job. I’d highly recommend a good zoom, though.
• Binoculars – if you’re planning a wildlife safari, you’ll wish you had some.
• Duffel Bags are the best safari luggage, soft-sided, lightweight and sturdy. Eagle Creek has a great one.

You can find a comprehensive Africa packing list and guide to answer all of your safari packing questions in our packing guide. There’s info there, too, about safari travel luggage size and weight limits.

7. Booking Your Flight

When it’s time to book your flight to Africa, do your online searching in Incognito mode. This will help make sure you see the best price each time.

I like to use websites like Google Flights or Skyscanner to see what flights are available. As well as, I get an idea of the cost.

When I’m ready to book, though, I like to book directly with an airline, unless I find a deal I just can’t pass up.

➣ One reason is that it’s possible that I might find your flight at a lower price after I book. An airline is more likely to refund the difference than flight booking sites. 

➣ I also have a better chance of being able to choose my seat before check-in.

➣ Booking directly with an airline also usually means better customer service. This will be important in the event of things like delays and cancelled flights.

In my experience, both are just a part of the experience when it comes to travelling in Africa. Therefore, customer service can be very important.

🐥 Important tip: Most major airlines are on Twitter. If you’re not, set up an account before you leave home. If you need to contact your airline for any reason, it’s often easiest to reach them on Twitter.

Remember that the closer to the peak season you’re planning to travel, the earlier you’ll need to book your flights.

🛩️ Browse Flights to Africa with Expedia

8. Where to Stay at Your African Destination

These days there are a lot of options. There are vacation rentals, Airbnbs, hotels, hostels – almost too many options to count. And don’t forget Couchsurfing.

I tend to steer clear of any place where I’m obligated to make small talk. A small hotel or vacation rental tends to be my choice.

I use Airbnb and VRBO a lot. Yes, even in Africa! When you’re planning your trip, be sure to check these out.

If you’d like to stay where the locals live, try Airbnb and VRBO yourself. They often have options in residential neighbourhoods.

You can even rent a bed in someone’s house and stay with a local family. Look into Couchsurfing, to spend a night in a local’s house.

This can be a great way to become familiar with the people and the culture, but be safe. If you get there and you feel uncomfortable, leave.

Being safe is always more important than being polite.

If you enjoy meeting new people, B&Bs and hostels may be more up your alley. Many people don’t realize that a lot of hostels have single rooms. You can often get a private bath.

Then you can still use the common kitchen and living areas that facilitate mingling.

They’re great places for meeting people from around the world. You can get great tips for travelling to Africa like what to see where you’re at, too.

The people working at your accommodation, whatever kind it is, can be fountains of information, too. They’re often locals and can give you the skinny on the area. Talk to them when planning your day.

🏨 Check out accommodations in Africa with Booking.com.

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9. What About Money?

Many banks now will let you order foreign currency. You can pick it up right in your own bank – so easy!

But there are some drawbacks to this when you’re travelling, especially if you’ll be gone for a while

First, you just don’t know how much money you will need. And secondly, and more importantly, it isn’t safe to carry around wads of cash.

It’s an option if you want to get a bit to see you through your arrival, but don’t get too much. The best option as far as cash is concerned is to use local ATMs.

Check the back of your debit card, and see what symbols it has on it. These represent the networks that your bank is a part of.

Use an online ATM locator to find out if your destination has ATMs belonging to one of these networks.

Also, find out what fees your bank will charge each time you use an international ATM.

There may be a fee to use the ATM and an administration fee from your bank. You may also see a fee charged by the bank that owns the ATM you’re using.

If these fees sound excessive, shop around. You might find that one of your local banks has a debit card with fewer or lower fees.

In any case, making ATM withdrawals too often will end up costing money.

Find the line. You want to withdraw enough that you won’t have to stop for cash often. But not have so much that you don’t feel safe carrying it.

Use credit cards whenever you can. They will have the best exchange rate, and are widely accepted throughout Africa.

You’ll need to have cash for taxis and tips. Plus buying from markets, or any place you want to haggle over the prices.

💰 Money Tip: When an ATM or credit card machine asks if you’d like to pay in local currency or your home currency, always choose local. This will save you some exchange fees.

Research Your Fees

Before you leave home, find out if your credit card(s) charge a 2.5% foreign transaction fee or currency conversion fee.

You may have to do some investigating, as many people aren’t aware of these fees. Read the small print of your credit card agreement, and call customer service if necessary.

If they are charged, it’s well worth your time to find one that is fee-free.

While you’re at it, look for perks such as travel insurance and car rental insurance. These could also save you some money on your trip.

Once you’ve got your cash and credit cards sorted out, make a note of your credit limits.

In addition, find out how much cash you have available, as well as the phone numbers of your credit card companies and your bank.

Travel Tip: Take a photo of all of your ID and travel documents before you leave home. Email these to yourself so they’re accessible to you anywhere. I also like to leave a hard copy with someone at home.

10. Get Travel Insurance!

Don’t blow off travel insurance, and don’t forget about it. You can buy insurance to cover emergency medical expenses, trip interruption, loss of luggage, and more.

There are many companies that you can work with, and prices vary pretty widely. Do some research and find a policy that works for you.

Remember to look at the coverage offered through your credit cards. You might be able to save some money if you know what your options are with your cards.

But if you decide to rely on your cards for some of your insurance needs, be absolutely sure that you understand what is covered, and how to go about using the coverage.

For example, are they available to call 24 hours a day? Will they pay upfront, or will you be reimbursed? Make sure everything works for you.

✅ I highly recommend SafetyWing Insurance. Get it here: SafetyWing

11. Arrange Your Mobile Data

Travel with a cell phone in Africa, even if you only keep one at home for emergencies.

A connection to the internet is incredibly handy, though not always possible.

And if you rely on the data that comes with your plan at home, you could end up buried under roaming charges.

Roaming charges are fees charged to you when your phone connects to the internet outside of your home network. But there are several ways around that.

Keep in mind, whether you use data from a cell phone, or a mobile WiFi device, that you should be able to wirelessly connect and share this data with a tablet and/or a laptop.

However, in many parts of Africa, it may be difficult to find a connection at all, especially in the bush. Take advantage of it when you have it. Download any maps you’ll need while you can.

A. Contact your cell phone carrier. Many carriers offer plans that include international data. If not, they may have temporary Add-Ons that you can buy in addition to your regular plan.

Your carrier’s customer service rep should be able to hook you up.

B. If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a local SIM card at your destination. Different options are available – different amounts of data, or data plus local calling, for example.

Options and prices will vary depending on which part of Africa you’re in.

Do a bit of research before you leave home to see what would work best for you. This site is a great source of information.

Take note of a few different options, in case they aren’t all available when arrive.

If you don’t have an unlocked phone, decide if it would be worth it to buy one. If you plan to do a lot of travelling, it may be a good option for you.

If you go this route, consider a phone with a dual SIM. This way you can keep your home and local SIM cards on the phone.

Otherwise, you’ll need to swap out your home SIM card. If that’s what you decide to do, plan where you’re going to keep it while you’re using the local one.

They’re tiny and easy to lose track of.

C. A third alternative is to purchase an international SIM card, also called a global, roaming, or travel SIM.

Examples for Africa are Surf Roam, DrimSim, and Orange Holiday World. They tend to be a bit pricier than local SIMs. But, if you have an unlocked phone, they make life easier.

Their SIM card connects with the local network in the area(s) it was bought for. They all need an app that you will install at home, and you will connect as soon as you land.

If you’re staying in one spot for the duration of your trip, you may want to use this short term. A least until you can purchase a local SIM, which will very likely be cheaper.

If, on the other hand, you’ll be visiting several places, this may be a good all-in-one choice for you. It’s easier and less stressful than chasing down a new SIM at each stop.

DrimSim has great rates, and they make it easy.

D. An Airalo eSIM is another convenient way to go. You don’t need to get a hold of a physical SIM card, so there’s no little bits of plastic to install and keep track of.

You just need to install the app on your phone and use it to select your destination, and pick which package you think will work best for you. Then install and activate the eSIM, all online. Activation is instant!

Airalo eSIM works in 27 of Africa’s 54 countries, offers round the clock Customer Support. It can be purchased, installed, and activated from anywhere in the world – as long as you have an internet connection!

E. Another option is a mobile WiFi device.

This is somewhat similar to the modem you use in your home, but it’s smaller, made for travelling.

Different types include those that require a local SIM card to tap into local internet.

That is those that you purchase data for from a carrier at home – similar to a cell phone. You can connect your phone, tablet, or laptop, to the device.

This makes surfing the internet feel similar to surfing from your couch at home. It is, however, another item taking up room in your bag, so keep this in mind.

F. Finally, there is always the option of simply connecting to free WiFi as you explore.

You won’t have a continuous connection, of course. However, if you have limited data of your own, you can switch off when free WiFi is available.

Your accommodation, whatever that may be, will very likely offer free WiFi. You’ll also find it at some local shops and cafes. Most of these are free too.

The “internet cafe” can be found even in some of the smallest African villages. However, in more economically challenged places you may be asked for a very small fee.

Do keep in mind that there are security risks attached to using these public connections. Unless you use a reliable VPN, it’s best not to, say, do your banking while connected to one.

Click to learn about VPNs.

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What Do I Do When I Get There?

The thought of landing alone in Africa for the first time can be intimidating. This is especially true when you don’t speak the local language.

You need to get to your accommodation, get something to eat, and find activities.

First, it’s important to always, always take the time to learn some phrases, even if English is spoken. Do some research.

Also learn the important local customs before you leave home. You need to be able to properly say hello, please and thank you, and excuse me, for example.

In Tanzania, you would never say hello to just one person if there are others in the room.

It’s also important to know what is considered appropriate dress where you’re going. Do you need to cover your legs and shoulders?

This is often the case in Africa. Respect the local culture. Always.

Once you have these tricks ready to pull out of your hat, you’re laughing.

Also, remember the available technology. Visiting a place where the main language is one that you don’t speak is less of an issue now.

There are a lot of translation apps and devices that are available to us, although only a few support any African languages. Try Google Translate, Jibbigo, and iTranslate Voice.

12. Getting Around Africa

➤ Airport shuttle: When you book your first night or nights, find out if the place you’re staying offers a shuttle service. Here’s an easy way to do that:

• Just go to Booking.com and enter the city you need accommodation in; press Search.
• Scroll down the menu on the left until you find Property Amenities – sometimes it’s listed as just Amenities, or as Facilities.
• Then scroll down that list to find Airport Shuttle. Click on it.

And there you go. Your list of choices will be filtered to include places that offer an airport shuttle. But be sure to check through the hotel description carefully. Some charge for the transfer, and some offer it for free.

➤ Taxi: It’s different if you’re staying at an Airbnb or vacation rental, as I like to do. You’ll likely need to make your own way there.

It’s usually pretty easy to find a taxi at an airport. There should be taxis waiting outside. Be sure only to get in a car that is marked as a taxi.

➤ You may also have arranged a rental car from the airport. The desk isn’t always easy to find. Just ask an airport employee if it isn’t obvious where the rental counter is.

When you book your stay, it’s a good idea to find out its physical address. If you can, get directions, too. Even a general idea of the neighbourhood you’re going to can be helpful.

This is especially true if it happens to be in an area your taxi driver isn’t familiar with. I’m afraid this does happen.

At a minimum, write down the name and address of your accommodation in the local language(s). 

If it’s in Arabic, it’s definitely worth printing the Arabic name and address out from your home computer.

Better yet, take a screenshot of it and keep it on your phone.

➤ Book an Airport Transfer in Advance: This is an easy way to get from the airport to your accommodation. If you follow this link to the Viator website, you can book your airport transfer before you leave home.

You can even pay for it, so you don’t have to worry about counting out foreign currency as soon as you land.

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✔️ Can I Rent A Car in Africa?

It’s a valid question, and the answer is yes. But make sure you can drive a stick shift.

It can be hard to find a rental car with an automatic transmission in Africa. If you can’t drive a stick shift, try contacting different rental companies.

Do this as soon as you start planning your trip to see if they can have one for you. And remember that driving is done in the left lane, and the steering wheel is on the right side of the car.

If you’re planning a trip to Africa and decide to rent a car, I recommend starting at the Discover Cars website. They’re a rental car price comparison website, and can help you find the vehicle and the price point you want.

They will offer you as many options as possible, even including local rental companies. You can book your rental and even pay for insurance directly through their website.

Just be sure to find out what sort of rental insurance your personal auto policy and credit cards offer. A lot of cards and policies can be used to cover some of your rental insurance, such as collision.

Find out so you don’t end up paying for more than you need to. Keep in mind that if you make a claim using your personal policy, you’ll need to pay the deductible stated in that policy.

Also, unless your driver’s license is not in English, you should not need an International Driver’s License.

But do be sure to bring your license with you.

✔️ Should I Rent A Car?

Renting a car may seem like a no-brainer, but this can be a very isolating option. It’s just you and the radio, and the place you’ve come to see is on the outside speeding by.

I use all different forms of transportation to see the places I travel to. I may rent a car to drive between cities, as I can set my own timetable that way.

If I’m in a large, sprawling city like Cape Town, I’ll hop on a bus and travel to different neighbourhoods.

Once I see an area that looks interesting, I’ll hop off and spend hours walking and people watching.

I love getting lost and finding amazing little shops or hidden parks.

✔️ Public Transportation

When you’re planning a trip to Africa, if you’re not renting a car, you need to get around somehow. Consider these options.

➤ Large cities like Cairo, for example, have a fairly extensive metro system – one of the oldest in Africa.

It allows quick travel and decent people watching, but as it’s mostly underground – poor sightseeing.

I suggest using undergrounds to travel fairly long distances, then get off as soon as you can.

➤ Use a bus, walk as much as possible, and bicycle when you can. Biking is a fantastic option for many cities. BUT, many African towns and cities have traffic that’s insanely chaotic.

Make sure you have a look at the traffic before deciding to take your own life into your hands.

➤ In smaller places, minibuses are a common form of public transportation. They go by different names in different places.

In Tanzania, for example, they’re dala dala. In Kenya, they go by matatus. Fares are often listed on the side. Try to have exact change.

They often don’t leave until they’re full – jammed full – so try to be patient.

✔️ Taxis

I haven’t found a place yet that didn’t have public taxis, no matter how small.

The process for catching one when you’re out and about is simple – if you see a marked taxi, raise your arm and wave.

If it’s safe, traffic-wise, to do so, speak to the driver through the window first.

Make sure he can take you where you’re going, and how much he’ll charge you. You can ask at your accommodation approximately how much it should cost.

Keep in mind that a driver will typically charge a tourist more than a local. It will still be inexpensive, though, especially in smaller places. Include a small tip.

If you find a taxi driver that you click with and trust, get his number. A good taxi driver is gold.

As well, always keep a business card from your accommodation on you. If you’re in an Arabic-speaking country like Egypt, be sure to have a card in Arabic.

Or have someone who works at the place you’re staying write out the name and address for you.

Uber is also a thing in many parts of Africa, so keep this in mind. Namibia has Lefa, which is similar.

✔️ Rent a Bike

If you decide to do some pedalling, beware of getting distracted as you take in the sites.

I love these Bluetooth video sunglasses are perfect for biking, so you don’t have to worry about missing anything. And they’re easier to deal with on the fly than a GoPro.

✔️ Take the Train

Will you be travelling in South Africa? If you’re looking for an easy way to get between cities, be sure to check out the Shosholoza Meyl rail system.

This is a comfortable and affordable way to get where you’re going, but it’s not well-known among travellers. Be sure to give them a try if they have a route that suits you.

* Shosholoza Meyl 2024 Update: Some Shosholoza Meyl train routes were resumed at the end of 2023 after being suspended due to the pandemic.

It now seems that in 2024, some of those routes have again been suspended. Visit the Shosholoza Meyl page or contact them by email for information for your own travels.

13. Find a Map App That You Like

Wired or not, I always use only one, so I can keep an ear open to the sounds in the air. And more importantly, to remain aware of my surroundings.

This is crucial to remember when there are so many distractions, and especially when wandering alone. Cairo traffic is something you need to give your FULL attention to. Safety!

And remember that it’s very possible that you won’t be able to get an internet connection while you’re out. Make sure to download your maps so you can access them offline.

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More tips on how to prepare for a trip to Africa

For a little more help with packing your gear, here’s a quick safari packing list:

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You Might Also Like:
• Travel to Africa: A Packing List and Guide
• 40 Safety Tips for Travelling in Africa
• Must-Have Travel Apps for Africa 2022
• Travel Resources

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